History

Changes effective Fall Term 2014

Chambliss

Ewing

Norris

Strom

Yao

The Rollins College History Department provides students with opportunities for intellectual growth, as well as skills vital for today’s world. Our students achieve an understanding of the historical context of contemporary society and insight into their place in that society. Our students learn to think critically, to understand cause and effect, to observe patterns and trends, to develop inferential reasoning skills, and to appreciate multiple perspectives. Graduates of our program can research complex questions, read critically, and communicate effectively.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Eleven (11) courses are required, six (6) of which must be at the 300-400 level. Students must complete TWO (2) researching history courses at the 200 level. At the 100, 200, and 300 level, at least TWO (2) geographic areas (Latin America, Asia, Europe, and United States) must be covered.

The senior seminar electronic portfolio includes research papers, essay examinations, and critical essays from different courses. It should reflect the student's program in each year of the major.

MINOR REQUIREMENTS

The History minor requires the successful completion of six (6) history courses, three (3) of which must be at the 300-level or above. In addition, students must take at least two (2) courses at any level in at least two (2) geographic regions.

Course of Study

HIS 120 Decade of Decision: Introduces the study of history through an examination of the political, economic, social, intellectual, and cultural events of a specific ten-year period (chosen by the instructor). Appropriate for nonmajors. BASED ON INSTRUCTOR: Chambliss (U.S.), Strom (U.S.), Norris (Teaches both U.S. and Latin America courses. Consult with professor for regional designations, Ewing (Europe), Yao (Asia).

HIS 130 History of a City: Introduces historical study through the examination of the political, economic, social, intellectual, and cultural history of a particular city (chosen by the instructor). Appropriate for non-majors. BASED ON INSTRUCTOR: Chambliss (U.S.), Strom (U.S.), Norris (Teaches both U.S. and Latim America courses. Consult with professor for regional designations, Ewing (Europe), Yao (Asia).

HIS 140 African-American History I -- Colonial Era to Reconstruction: Surveys the political, social, and economic issues shaping African-American experiences from the colonial period to Reconstruction. Appropriate for nonmajors. (U.S.)

HIS 150 Modern Japan: Survey of modern Japanese history from Tokugawa era to present, including topics of the Western intrusion, Meiji Restoration, democratic experiement and rise of militarism, U.S. occupation, and economic take-off. Appropriate for nonmajors. (Asia)

HIS 160 United States Planning History: Examines the evolution of city planning in the U.S. from mid-nineteenth century to the present. Focuses on the changing spatial forms and functions of American cities, and how these changes relate to socioeconomic and political aspects of urbanization, as well as to changes in technology. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the relationships between historical developments associated with urban infrastructure, planning theory, and planning practice to understand how urban planning evolved into its current practices. Appropriate for nonmajors. (U.S.)

HIS 161 Modern China: Introduction to modern Chinese history from the Opium War to the present. Themes include the Western intrusion, rise of nationalism, cultural and identity crises, revolutions, and current economic reform. Appropriate for nonmajors. (Asia)

HIS 163 Modern East Asia: A survey of East Asian Countries -- China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam -- their tradition and modern transformation after the Western intrusion. Appropriate for nonmajors. (Asia)

HIS 201 Researching Asian History: Teaches critical, transferable skills. Through the lens of Asian history, students will become expert in research, hone their analytical abilities, and learn to communicate fluently. (Asia)

HIS 202 Research European History: Teaches critical, transferable skills. Through the lens of European history, students will become expert in research, hone their analytical abilities, and learn to communicate fluently. (Europe)

HIS 203 Researching Latin American History: Teaches critical, transferable skills. Through the lens of Latin American history, students will become expert in research, hone their analytical abilities, and learn to communicate fluently. (Latin America)

HIS 204 Researching American History: Teaches critical, transferable skills. Through the lens of American history, students will become expert in research, hone their analytical abilities, and learn to communicate fluently. (U.S.)

HIS 320 Mexico-United States Relations: Examines interactions of Mexico and the United States from the early 1800s through the contemporary period. (Latin America)

HIS 321 Colonial Mexican History: Examines the historical development of Colonial Mexico; the period from the arrival of the Spanish in the New World to Mexico's independence in 1821. (Latin America)

HIS 322 Modern Mexican History: Covers the historical development of Mexico from its independence from Spain in 1821 through the contemporary era. (Latin America)

HIS 323 Modern Latin American History: Covers the historical development of Latin America from the emergence of modern nation-states (ca. mid-1800s) through the contemporary period. (Latin America)

HIS 337 American Graphic Media: Explores the superhero comic book genre from its pulp origin to multimedia present in the U.S. Requires students to seriously consider underlying symbolism and deconstruct the meaning of comic art in the twentieth century. Taking the comic genre from the 1930's milieu to the sci-fi heights of the present day, explores the political, social, and economic concerns reflected in comic books. Situates the comic medium within the broader sweep of popular culture. (U.S.)

HIS 346 The United States Since 1945: Approaches post-WWII years thematically, emphasizing social and cultural trends. (U.S.)

HIS 347 History of Urban America: An analysis of the growth and development of urban space in the U.S. Special emphasis on how cities developed and their impact on politics, economics, and culture. Incorporates analysis of the technological transformation associated with urban life, infrastructure, and city planning in U.S. society. (U.S.)

HIS 349 Mao and the Chinese Revolution: Examines the origins, development and characteristics of the Chinese Communist Revolution with the focus on Mao Zedong' role. (Asia)

HIS 350 U.S. and China Relations: Examines historical evolution of the U.S. and China's relations and their current challenges. (Asia)

HIS 360 History of Chinese Civilization: Examines changes and continuities in Chinese history and culture from ancient times to the eve of the Western intrusion. (Asia)

HIS 361 Contemporary China: Examines China's recent reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping that was responsible for its rise to a regional and world power. (Asia)

HIS 362 Foreign Policy in the Western Hemisphere: Presents patterns, themes, and developments in foreign policy, with emphasis on 20th century. BASED ON INSTRUCTOR: Chambliss (U.S.), Strom (U.S.), Norris (teaches both U.S. and Latin America courses. Consult with professor for regional designation.)

HIS 365 Topics in History: Probes narrow topic in American or modern European history. May be repeated for credit. BASED ON INSTRUCTOR: Chambliss (U.S.), Strom (U.S.), Norris (Teaches both U.S. and Latin America courses. Consult with professor for regional designations), Ewing (Europe), Yao (Asia).

HIS 370 Race and Ethnicity in United States: Introduction to racial and ethnic identity issues through critical examination of the social, political, and economic factors that helped to construct identity in the United States. Examines how America's racial and ethnic ideas were created, maintained, and what is at stake when we struggle to define race/ethnic identity. (U.S.)

HIS 372 The Reformation: Analyzes causes and consequences of Protestant Reformation in 16th and early 17th centuries. Ranges over religious, political, and social causes of Reformation in Germany, Switzerland, and England; reaction of Roman Catholic Church to Protestant challenge; and social, political, and intellectual consequences of the movement. Suitable for nonmajors. (Europe)

HIS 375 Aspects of War: Topics to Vary: Examines the political, social, economic, and personal impact of warfare. What has caused and resulted from this most brutal of human struggles? Conflict under consideration will vary according to the instructor as will the particular emphasis of the material covered. BASED ON INSTRUCTOR: Chambliss (U.S.), Strom (U.S.), Norris (Teaches both U.S. and Latin America. Consult with professor for regional designations), Ewing (Europe), Yao (Asia).

HIS 383 The Decline of Europe: Explains cultural and intellectual impact of Europe's loss of equilibrium and hegemony after 1914. Touches upon effect of WWI, rise of totalitarianism, sensation of anomie, disintegration of colonial empires, WWII, and Holocaust. Suitable for nonmajors. (Europe)

HIS 480 Selected Studies in History: Focuses on topic chosen in consultation with instructor. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: history major; junior/senior standing; 3.33 cumulative average or better; and consent of instructor and department head. BASED ON INSTRUCTOR: Chambliss (U.S.), Strom (U.S.), Norris (Teaches both U.S. and Latin America. Consult with professor for regional designations), Ewing (Europe), Yao (Asia).

HIS 490 Senior Capstone Course: Challenges majors to trace their intellectual growth from the first course to senior year: what and how they have learned; how their ideas have changed, been modified, or solidified; how they might approach issues with new insights and skills. Each student compiles portfolio and uses it to construct an academic autobiography, emphasizing methodology and historiographical skills they have acquired. Requires paper on historical origins of contemporary event, problem, or issue. Seminar.